What does Netanyahu want to be pardoned for and is it possible? – Al Jazeera

Report on Corruption Trial and Pardon Request of Israeli Prime Minister

Introduction

This report details the request for a presidential pardon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning his ongoing corruption trial. The case presents significant implications for Israel’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Pardon Request and Procedural Context

Basis of the Request

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog to conclude a five-year corruption trial involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The Prime Minister maintains his innocence, framing the trial as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.” His 111-page submission argues that a pardon would enable him to strengthen the nation during a period of regional instability. The request also references an earlier appeal for a pardon made by United States President Donald Trump.

Legal Framework and Reactions

• Admission of Guilt: Legally, an admission of guilt is not a prerequisite for a presidential pardon in Israel. However, political opponents, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, have stated that a pardon should not be granted without an admission of guilt, remorse, and retirement from political life.
• Review Process: The Ministry of Justice’s pardons department will review the request and provide a non-binding recommendation to President Herzog, who will make the final decision.
• Public and Political Response: The pardon request has elicited public protests. Analysts suggest that the process tests the integrity of public norms and the principle of accountability for public figures, a cornerstone of SDG 16.6 (develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions).

Analysis of Corruption Charges

The Prime Minister faces indictment in three separate cases, each of which highlights challenges related to SDG 16.5 (substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms).

1. Case 1000 (‘Gifts Affair’)

   Charges of fraud and breach of trust relate to the alleged acceptance of approximately $200,000 worth of gifts from businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer. In return, Mr. Netanyahu is accused of using his official capacity to advance their personal and business interests, including visa and tax exemption matters.

2. Case 2000 (‘Netanyahu-Mozes Affair’)

   This case involves charges of fraud and breach of trust stemming from an alleged deal with Aron Mozes, a shareholder of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. The agreement was purportedly for more favorable media coverage in exchange for legislative action that would disadvantage a rival newspaper.

3. Case 4000 (‘Bezeq Affair’)

   The most severe charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, are connected to this case. Mr. Netanyahu is accused of providing regulatory favors, worth significant financial value, to the Bezeq telecommunications company. In exchange, the company’s news website, Walla, allegedly provided positive coverage of the Prime Minister and his family.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The trial and pardon request are a critical test for the rule of law in Israel. The outcome will directly impact public perception of the fairness and impartiality of its justice system and the accountability of its institutions. A pardon without a legal verdict could undermine efforts to combat corruption (Target 16.5) and weaken trust in government (Target 16.6).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The proceedings touch upon the core principle of equality before the law (Target 10.3). Granting a pardon to a high-ranking official could be perceived as creating a separate standard of justice for the political elite, thereby exacerbating inequalities and eroding social cohesion.

Historical Context: Corruption and Governance

A Pattern of Investigations

Investigations into corruption allegations against senior political leaders are not unprecedented in Israel. Since 1996, every prime minister has been the subject of a corruption investigation, a trend that underscores the persistent challenges to maintaining strong, transparent, and accountable institutions as envisioned in SDG 16.

• Ehud Barak (1999-2001): Investigated for illegal campaign financing.
• Ariel Sharon (2001-2006): Accused of bribery.
• Ehud Olmert (2006-2009): Convicted and imprisoned for bribery and fraud.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the primary SDG addressed in the article. The entire text revolves around issues of justice, corruption, and the accountability of public institutions. The article details a high-profile corruption trial involving a head of government, which directly relates to the goal of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels and promoting the rule of law.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms

   This target is central to the article. The text explicitly details three separate cases against Prime Minister Netanyahu involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

   • Case 1000 (‘Gifts Affair’): Alleges Netanyahu received lavish gifts worth nearly $200,000 in exchange for political favors, a clear example of bribery.
   • Case 2000 (‘Netanyahu-Mozes affair’): Describes an alleged deal for favorable media coverage in exchange for legislative action, which constitutes a form of corruption.
   • Case 4000 (‘Bezeq affair’): Involves granting regulatory favors to a telecommunications company in return for positive news coverage, another direct instance of alleged bribery and corruption.

   The article’s focus on these charges and the historical context of corruption investigations against other Israeli prime ministers directly highlights the challenge of reducing corruption in public office.

2. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

   The article touches upon the effectiveness and accountability of Israel’s justice and political institutions. The ongoing five-year trial represents an attempt by the judicial system to hold a high-level public official accountable. Furthermore, the public reaction, including protests against the pardon request, and the concerns voiced by The Israel Democracy Institute about setting a “problematic message to all public figures,” underscore the societal demand for accountable and transparent governance. The pardon process itself is a test of the accountability mechanisms within the state’s institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 16.5.1: Proportion of persons who had at least one contact with a public official and who paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for a bribe by those public officials…

   The article does not provide statistical data for this indicator, but it provides specific, high-profile examples of the behavior it measures. Case 1000, where businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer allegedly provided nearly $200,000 worth of gifts to Netanyahu for political favors, serves as a qualitative illustration of bribery involving individuals and a public official.

2. Indicator 16.5.2: Proportion of businesses that had at least one contact with a public official and who paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for a bribe by those public officials…

   This indicator is strongly implied through the descriptions of Case 2000 and Case 4000. These cases detail alleged deals between Netanyahu and major business interests (the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper group and the Bezeq telecommunications company). The alleged exchange of regulatory and legislative favors for positive media coverage is a form of bribery at the business level, directly aligning with what this indicator aims to track.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com